EU kickstarts Mercosur pact to counter US trade hit

April 30, 2026 2:52 PM

EU kickstarts Mercosur pact to counter US trade hit

The European Union and South American bloc Mercosur will implement on Friday a contentious free trade agreement that the EU in particular hopes will benefit exporters and calm critics, even if it cannot fully offset the blow from U.S. tariffs. Backers including Germany and Spain say the agreement will help compensate for the hit from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and reduce reliance on China for critical minerals. France and other critics argue it will increase imports of cheap beef and...

EU lawmakers deal blow to Mercosur trade deal by referring it to top court

January 22, 2026 12:43 PM

EU lawmakers deal blow to Mercosur trade deal by referring it to top court

EU lawmakers voted on Wednesday to challenge the European Union's contentious free trade agreement with South America in the bloc's top court, a move that could delay the deal by two years and potentially derail it. The European Union signed its largest-ever trade pact with Mercosur members Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay on Saturday after 25 years of negotiations. It still requires approval before it can take effect. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, among the deal's principal backers...

EU and Mercosur sign trade deal after 25 years of negotiations

January 18, 2026 9:40 AM

EU and Mercosur sign trade deal after 25 years of negotiations

Top officials from the EU and the South American bloc Mercosur signed a free trade agreement on Saturday in Paraguay, paving the way for the European Union's largest-ever trade accord after 25 years of negotiations. The agreement, designed to lower tariffs and boost trade between the two regions, must now gain the consent of the European Parliament and be ratified by the legislatures of Mercosur members Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen...

India, Brazil agree to deepen MERCOSUR-India trade pact

October 16, 2025 9:56 PM

India, Brazil agree to deepen MERCOSUR-India trade pact

India and Brazil on Thursday agreed to significantly expand their existing trade agreement between India and the MERCOSUR bloc, aiming to enhance bilateral trade and investment. The understanding was reached during a meeting held in New Delhi between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Vice President of Brazil and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services Geraldo Alckmin. The two leaders welcomed the mutual interest of India and MERCOSUR member states in deepening the ex...